Matrescence is the transition to becoming a mother or parent with potential long-term benefits to brain function. However, more research is needed to better understand cognitive changes that may occur.

Several factors influence the transition to becoming a mother, including personal experiences, societal pressures, and environmental conditions. As a person transitions to motherhood, their mind and body need to adapt to several changes.

Though not well studied, the need for the brain to adapt may have potential long-term benefits to a person, such as increased cognition as they get older.

An anthropologist named Dana Raphael first coined and defined the term “matrescence” as the transition to becoming a mother. She referred to it as a developmental passage or stage ranging from preconception to postpartum and beyond.

Several factors influence the ever-evolving process of becoming a mother, including:

  • personal experiences
  • cultural influences
  • social influences
  • environmental conditions

Evidence suggests that the changes and influences in a person’s life during matrescence may influence major biological changes, specifically relating to brain development and function.

Researchers are quick to point out that people who cannot become or choose not to become mothers are not missing out on a needed developmental stage. But they also note that very few scientific studies look at the overall impact that motherhood has on a person’s brain and cognition.

Researchers suggest that despite some decline in cognition and memory associated with the early stages of becoming a mother, motherhood may have an overall protective effect on cognition and brain health as the person ages.

In a 2019 study, researchers found evidence suggesting that hormonal influences can cause a mother’s brain to undergo changes similar to those of a teenager, such as changes in total brain volume. They also noted that while other changes and processes are well-studied, changes in the brain and cognition receive less attention.

Changes in the brain during the transition period to motherhood may allow the new mothers to more easily gain experience-dependent skills necessary for new mothers to know.

It’s possible that the forced changes in complexity associated with early motherhood, which require continuous cognitive adaptation, may result in a cognitive reserve later in life and resistance to aging later in life.

Still, not much is known about exactly how motherhood affects thinking, memory, and brain health over a person’s lifetime. Additional research examining how motherhood affects cognition as well as other aspects of a person’s brain may help to understand the exact effect the changes associated with matrescence have on a person.

The transition to motherhood requires active adaptations to new challenges and demands, which can be both difficult and distressing for some mothers. Trying some of the following tips for easing the transition may help, but they also might not work well for everyone.

It’s important to find strategies that work for you. What may work for one person may not work for another; try not to stress if a particular strategy doesn’t work for you.

Sleep when your baby sleeps

Whenever possible, take a nap or sleep when your baby sleeps. They often have abnormal sleep schedules, which, combined with stress, worry, or other stressors, can make it difficult for you to get adequate sleep.

Closing your eyes when they do may help make up that deficit.

Establish duel care responsibilities with your partner

Take time to discuss how to reasonably divide up care for the baby with your partner. Dividing up the tasks and responsibilities upfront can help prevent burnout and stress.

As you and your partner have an equal or at least equitable share of responsibilities for the baby, this may allow you more time to care for yourself.

Exercise

Finding time to get a little sweaty has many potential benefits, such as improving your mood and memory. In addition, setting aside time to exercise can give you a break from the responsibilities associated with raising your baby.

But before you begin a new program, make sure to check with a healthcare professional about what kinds of exercise are safe and when you can start.

Take some alone time

It is not selfish to take time for self-care. Taking a little alone time to listen to music, take a bath, read, or do other fulfilling activities can help you feel like your own person and reduce stress.

Set a visitor schedule

Depending on your number of friends or family, visits or drop-ins may be challenging and exhausting.

Working out a schedule for who sees you and the baby when may help ensure everyone has a chance to meet them while reducing the number of visitors on any given day. Saying no to a visitor is not selfish, particularly if you just need a break.

Take time to meal prep

You, your partner, or both of you should consider taking time to prepare meals ahead of time. This can make it easier during stressful days to make sure you get fed, which can help keep your energy up and may improve your overall mood.

Supporting a parent-to-be

Family and friends can help support expecting parents in several ways, which can include:

  • making freezer meals
  • helping with cleaning the house
  • providing emotional support
  • offering to care for the baby at different times
  • taking care of the baby during postnatal checkups for the parents
  • learning about any special needs the baby may have and what they can do to help
  • offering to run errands

Matrescence is the transition to becoming a mother or parent to a child. It is generally a period of dynamic changes socially, physically, and mentally and may have a positive impact on mental health as a parent ages.

You may be able to take some steps to ease the transition for yourself, a family member, or a friend. Self-care, dividing responsibilities with a partner, and resting when possible can all help. Loved ones can offer help with watching the baby, meal prepping, or assisting to keep the house tidy.